Dressing for success in the wild when it’s wet
There is nothing worse than being cold and soggy in the great outdoors. Set yourself up for success by arming your family with the right wet weather gear that allows for endless puddle jumping and mud play with as minimal washing as possible.
Kids couldn’t care less about being wet and muddy, in fact, this could possibly be their favourite state to be in! But, for many parents who are desperately trying to keep up with the multiple clothing changes kids have per day, not to mention school and sport uniforms and socks (where do all the socks come from?), wet and muddy kids simply means more work. This can make it really hard to enjoy all of those messy and splashy moments in time that should be opportunities for connection. Let's also not forget that as parents, we too want to be able to enjoy the great outdoors with our children while being relatively warm and dry (snowflakes, right?).
If you're wondering how to keep both you and your children dry and warm while minimising laundry then you have come to the right place. Check out our top tips below for being prepared for nature immersion, whatever the weather!
The Holy Grail - A rain jacket
Sounds simple doesn't it? When its raining outside, you need to be wearing a rain jacket or you will get wet. You would be surprised by how many people attend our programs and either neglect (or more likely, forget!) to bring a waterproof rain jacket for themselves and/or their children. They key word here is WATERPROOF. Make sure that the jacket you are using for you and your kids is both water proof (has a waterproof/breathable membrane that stops water from penetrating to a rain jacket’s interior) and water repellent where the jacket is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to prevent rain from saturating the jacket exterior. Sustainability tip! DWR can diminish over time leading to you feeling cold and clammy. To fix this, reapply the DWR with an at home wash-in or spray-in product.
2. Embrace gumboots despite their aesthetic
Is there nothing worse than wet and soggy feet!? Footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is absolutely crucial when the weather turns. Things you will need to consider are the height of the boot, the sole and the socks that will be worn. The height of the boot will depend on the depth of the puddles and water run off you and your kids will be traversing, but generally speaking ankle height should be sufficient. In terms of the sole, choose something with good grip. Lastly, invest in some woollen socks for you and your family this Winter, your toes will thank you for it!
Photo credit - Unsplash
3. Be ‘that’ person with a high vis backpack cover
Ok, so you are all sorted in with your waterproof and water repellent rain jacket and your feet are cosy warm in your woollen socks BUT, your backpack is saturated and your valuables wet. Sounds like it’s time to think about a waterproof backpack cover. These are super inexpensive and highly effective at keeping your gear, valuable, spare clothes and snacks dry. Another option is to purchase a separate dry bag with a waterproof seal to protect your belongings.
4. Snacks
Suggestion number 4 does not need a catchy headline as this is serious stuff. Hanger is a think for kids and adults alike (just ask my husband!). For any outdoor adventure, ensure you bring plenty of non-perishable snacks such as trail mix, bliss balls, fruit straps, muesli bars, rice cakes and pretzels. And if you're feeling like treating your kids (and yourself!) prep a thermos with hot chocolate or herbal tea for when you need a little extra warmth.
5. The often overlooked towel
Swap out your heavy beach towel for a quick-dry and travel friendly micro-fibre towel. They're versatile, lightweight and super absorbent and a great addition to the wet weather adventure kit.
6. Waterproof overalls (kids only)
A recommendation for the little ones. If you can get your kids to wear waterproof overalls, gumboots and a rain jacket, I swear you will barely have ANY washing to do at all (except for all of your stuff because you were pre-occupied getting the kids ready and forgot to wear your own gumboots and rain jacket!). These a little pricey but well worth the investment if your kids are like mine, and always jumping in puddles or playing in the mud.
7. Beanies and gloves
Other items that we always pack in our backpack are beanies and gloves to keep our ears and fingers toasty. While these can be a bit of a challenge to keep on kids who are very tactile creatures (hence why we have a house full of single gloves!), they are a must for parents in the Winter weather who are often a bit more stationary that the little ones.
We hope these tips will help you to be better prepared for nature immersion in any weather as it's important for children to see their parents and carers being ok with feeling uncomfortable . Embracing nature is as much about you as a parent having an enjoyable and meaningful experience as it is about your child connecting with the natural world. Be sure to share your rainy day stories with us @thewildplayco.
And if you need a little encouragement and support in your outdoor ventures with children, book into one of our nature playgroup or bush kindy programs and join a community of like-minded families choosing green over screens. Spaces available for term 3 https://www.wildplayco.com.au/wildplay-co-bookings
Are you ready for Wild Play?